These supplements can raise blood pressure either by directly affecting the cardiovascular system or by interfering withblood pressure medications.
Some vitamins, like vitamin D and the minerals calcium and magnesium, might actually lower blood pressure.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Images By Tang Ming Tung / Getty Images
Images By Tang Ming Tung / Getty Images
Do Vitamins Raise Blood Pressure?
Always talk to a healthcare provider before taking any vitamin or supplement.
Never take vitamins or other supplements without talking to a healthcare provider first.
Asian ginseng’s effect on blood pressure is complicated.
Some studies suggest it lowers blood pressure while others found it increases it.
Anyone taking these medications should consult with a healthcare provider before using ginseng.
Studies on whether bitter orange increases blood pressure or heart rate have produced conflicting results.
Guarana
Guaranacontains caffeine and is an herb commonly used in energy drinks.
Many energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, and adding guarana increases caffeine amounts.
Excessive caffeine can cause increases in blood pressure and heart rate and lead toheart rhythm disturbances.
Licorice also decreasespotassium, which plays a role in blood pressure.
Licorice should not be taken by people who have high blood pressure or heart disease.
It’s characterized by a racing heart rate, high blood pressure, and hallucinations.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the bodys cells from damage.
Yohimbe
Yohimbecomes from the bark of African evergreen trees.
Its most commonly touted for helpingerectile dysfunctionandincreasing sexual arousal.
Yohimbe has been associated with serious side effects including high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and heart attacks.
Its use has been restricted in many countries.
Do Multivitamins Affect Blood Pressure?
Despite their popularity, little research has been done on the effects multivitamins have on high blood pressure.
Are There Supplements That Can Lower Blood Pressure?
Several vitamins and minerals have been evaluated for their effects on lowering blood pressure.
The study authors noted future studies should focus on optimal dosage and treatment length for these supplements.
Unlike prescription or over-the-counter medications, the FDA does not regulate the sale or safety of supplements.
National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine.Comparative effectiveness review summary guides for consumers [internet].
Houston MC.Treatment of hypertension with nutrition and nutraceutical supplements: Part 2.Alternative and Complementary Therapies.
2019;25(1):23-36. doi:10.1089/act.2018.29197.mho
Poison Control.Caution when using arnica products.
National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Asian ginseng.
American Botanical Council.The safety of bitter orange (citrus aurantium) and p-synephrine.
National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Bitter orange.
National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Energy drinks.
J Agric Food Chem.
Plants (Basel).
National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.St.
Foong AL, Grindrod KA, Patel T, Kellar J.Demystifying serotonin syndrome (orserotonin toxicity).
2018 Oct;64(10):720-727.
2024;14(1):e074511.
2016 Aug;34(8):1513-9. doi:10.1097/HJH.0000000000000973
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B6.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne).
2018 Sep 20;9:550. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00550.
